Could Martin Talbot's elderly, Alzheimer-stricken mother, Judy, really have been the Black Stiletto? When Martin discovers several volumes of her diaries hidden by his mother, he is stunned beyond all imagination. His mother, the underground heroine of yesteryear? The famed, still unidentified woman who battled Communist spies, took on the Mafia, and preyed on common crooks? The woman who exacted punishment on evildoers without mercy? But it is all described, in great detail, in the diaries. Could it be true? Talbot is filled with doubt and disbelief.

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Publisher's Summary

Could Martin Talbot's elderly, Alzheimer-stricken mother, Judy, really have been the Black Stiletto? When Martin discovers several volumes of her diaries hidden by his mother, he is stunned beyond all imagination. His mother, the underground heroine of yesteryear? The famed, still unidentified woman who battled Communist spies, took on the Mafia, and preyed on common crooks? The woman who exacted punishment on evildoers without mercy?

But it is all described, in great detail, in the diaries. What caused her to begin her quest for justice. Her decision to act outside the law. Her feats as the famed and feared vigilante. How her reputation exploded. In short, how it all played out.

Could it be true? Talbot is filled with doubt and disbelief. But the reappearance of one of the Stiletto's old enemies with a thirst for merciless revenge makes the story more than real, and could imperil the life of not only the Stiletto, but her son and granddaughter as well.

Raymond Benson came up with an interesting idea. I remember years and years ago when in training, working with some Alzheimer patient wondering what their life had been like and what secret were also lost to the disease. Benson has Martin Talbot's mother Judy Cooper Talbot in a facility for Alzheimer, he is asked to see his Mother's attorney. The attorney gives him a box and letter and said his Mother had instructed him to give this to Martin when she dies or is incapacitated. He finds a diagram to the house marking a secret room. In it he finds a costume and diaries, weapons. The story goes from Martin reading the diaries learning about his Mother and to the present day with Roberto Renelli a Mafia gangster being released from Sing Sing after 52 years. He is out to find and kill the Black Stiletto, who put him in prison. The story goes from how this happened, with Martin reading the diaries, to the current day, this adds more suspense as Martin learns of his Mother's life as The Black Stiletto. I think this might make a good series, so shall order the next book in line. Lots of action, suspense and some humor along with interesting characters. This is a bit different idea and has so much potential for a good story line. Arielle DeLisle, Chris Patton, Michael ray Davis did a great job with the narration.

Where does The Black Stiletto rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I enjoyed it immensely and would recommend it to any one who likes a good action story with a strong female heroine.

What did you like best about this story?

I liked Judy Cooper and seeing her develop as the Black Stiletto. It was satisfying to see her get revenge on men who had wronged her.

Which scene was your favorite?

The Black Stiletto getting naked in her effort to combat Communism.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The revenge scene with her stepfather was very satisfying.

Any additional comments?

This story was truly enhanced by being narrated by three different readers. I don't think my experience would have been so enjoyable on the printed page. Arielle DeLisle gave Judy Cooper's voice energy and authenticity. I would like to hear more of her and I'm looking to forward to the next in the series. Chris Patton did a good job with the voice of Martin but for some reason his part wasn't edited as well as the rest. There was a couple of instances of a repeated line - sort of like a stutter. Michael Ray Davis was my favorite of all the voices. His performance of Roberto Renelli, a gangster who has been in prison for over 50 years, was flawless and totally believable. He truly sounded like a 72-year-old, broken down gangster. I'm adding him to my list of favorite narrators.

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